London Police Arrest 365 in Largest Protest Since Palestine Action Ban

London Police Arrest 365 in Largest Protest Since Palestine Action Ban
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London police arrested at least 365 people on Saturday for supporting Palestine Action, in what authorities say is the largest protest backing the group since it was banned last month under UK anti-terrorism laws, Arab News reported. The Metropolitan Police described the arrests — among the highest ever at a single protest in the capital — as being for “supporting a proscribed organization.” Seven additional arrests were made for other offenses, including assaults on officers, though no serious injuries were reported.

The UK government outlawed Palestine Action in early July, days after the group claimed responsibility for a break-in at a southern England air force base that caused an estimated £7 million ($9.3 million) in aircraft damage. Officials say the group is also linked to other violent incidents causing significant harm and destruction.

Palestine Action describes its actions as a response to Britain’s indirect military support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Critics, including the UN, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace, have condemned the ban as a threat to free speech. Defend Our Juries, the organizer of Saturday’s demonstration, said “unprecedented numbers” risked arrest to “defend ancient liberties.”

Protesters gathered near Parliament Square waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards with slogans such as “oppose genocide, support Palestine Action.” Police maintained that all attendees visibly supporting Palestine Action were arrested, contrary to claims by organizers that only a fraction were detained. Detainees were taken to temporary processing centers, where their details were recorded before being released on bail or transferred to custody.

Since the ban took effect on July 5, UK police have made dozens of similar arrests nationwide. Supporting or being a member of Palestine Action now carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Authorities confirmed this week that three people in England and Wales, and seven in Scotland, have been charged under the new law.

Amnesty International UK Chief Executive Sacha Deshmukh criticized the arrests, calling them “disproportionate” and a breach of international human rights law. He urged the government to focus on ending civilian harm in Gaza rather than criminalizing peaceful protesters. A legal challenge against the proscription of Palestine Action is scheduled to be heard later this year.